"I Don't Even Like Driving 45 Miles....."

The title of this post was the phrase of the day during our 45 mile bike ride last Saturday. Inevitably this was a common response when I told someone I rode 45 miles on a bike. Yes, I've been guilty of responding in a similar fashion to when told of various friends' feats of athleticism i.e. "I don't even like driving 112 miles" or "I don't even like freefalling 3,000 feet before pulling my parachute".

IronPhil organized our "gang of 7" for a training ride the day after Christmas. We met at the Rudgear Park 'n Ride in Walnut Creek to commence our schlep to the Sunol Train Depot and back. It was a very chilly and cloudy morning---with rain in the forecast for later that day. My hope was to finish the ride before a downpour. To take my mind off of the cold, cars and daunting distance, I started to note my favorite haunts at certain places along the way. First major siting was the Rising Loafer, one of my favorite breakfast joints. I resisted the great temptation to stop for pancakes and a cappuccino.

When I saw the street sign for Crow Canyon Blvd., my thoughts turned to Zachery's Pizza and its "award winning" Chicago style pizza......

Shortly thereafter, we hit Bollinger Canyon and of course, what came to mind was none other than Whole Foods ---if it ever went out of business, I would starve......

By the time we neared Pleasanton, two pleasant thoughts came to mind---shopping at Stoneridge Shopping Center and delicious Chinese food at Tri Valley Seafood. Good thing Janice was with me to keep me focused, otherwise, I'd lock up the bike and stop in at Tri Valley for some dim sum and crab.

Okay, I was not entirely consumed with thoughts of food during the ride. I enjoyed the beauty of the East Bay and seeing little communities tucked away and off the beaten track--especially the segment from Pleasanton to Sunol.

Fall #2 occurred on the way back at the top of a hill near Foothill High School in Pleasanton. Similar scenario to Fall #1---fell over on the unclipped side. Re-skinned the same elbow, plus my right knee. Boo-boos in two places this time. Janice was quite the trooper and a terrific mentor---staying with me for the entire ride and being so encouraging!

Second real ride of the season and I'm thrilled I rode 45 miles!